Amplifier Marantz: how to choose the right one?

How to choose the right amplifier Marantz for your needs

If you choose to buy by choosing from Marantz amplifiers, it means you plan to get it right. For more than half a century, the Japanese-American soul brand has been synonymous with uncompromising quality.
Achieving a first-class Hi-Fi experience is as ambitious a goal as it is feasible. Provided, however, that you follow the right steps, and target the right equipment for your case. In this short guide, then, we will propose five solutions that in our opinion can go some way toward covering all the needs of high-fidelity listening enthusiasts.

Why choose an amplifier Marantz

Great Hi-Fi brands are such because they are born from a philosophy to which they remain faithful over time. In the case of McIntosh, for example, the pursuit of excellence has led to the creation of systems that have gone down in history, such as the Grateful Dead's legendary Wall of Sound.
Marantz , on the other hand, the basic idea from which to start is one: "music is important." This means that the brand's amplifiers aim to deliver the exact experience desired by the composer, musician or singer being listened to.
Range, intonation, dynamics, timbre: each element follows the natural inclinations of the various recordings, in order to offer their original essence.
Choosing an amplifier Marantz, then, means giving importance to the music. Here are five proposals designed to best achieve this goal:

• Marantz PM6006
• Marantz PM8006
• Marantz PM5005
• Marantz HD AMP1
• Marantz PM7000N
  
  

Marantz PM6006, the mid level that conquers

PM6006 is a 45 W two-channel stereo amplifier with impedance to 8 ohms. An upgrade of the already excellent PM 6005, it has several technical features worthy of attention.
First, the amplification stage is improved over past iterations. The resulting sound is detailed, accurate, and faithful to the track being played. The DAC module offers a high degree of freedom of action because it allows all kinds of digital sources to be connected. Variety of connections is also provided by five audio line inputs and a phono input with gold terminals. Power and dynamics are ensured by the HDAM modules.
A device that for some should be placed in the mid-range, partly due to an aggressive price. In our opinion, it is an elegant solution for those who want to listen to analog, without giving up digital.

Marantz PM8006, lots of substance and versatility

PM8006 is a 70 W two-channel integrated amplifier with impedance on 8 ohms. Elegant and modern in form, it offers a lot of substance.
Just think of the controls for low, mid and high frequencies, and the selector switch to access the power amplifiers. Inputs are numerous and varied. Others include a MM phono input for turntables and a preamplified output. The phono input, on the other hand, has enough sensitivity to be used with MC cartridges as well. The terminals are gold-plated. Notable features include the Toroidal transformer, surrounded by a shielding ring that offers high efficiency.
A device suitable for versatile systems, designed to enhance acoustic speakers and excel with different types of sources. Available in black and silver, it boasts a discreet and elegant appearance.

Learn more about the Marantz PM8006 amplifier in our store

Marantz PM5005, the king of entry-level

PM5005 is a 40 W two-channel stereo amplifier with impedance to 8 ohms. It is an interesting product for several reasons, first of all technical. In the entry level range of Marantz, it was the first device to offerCurrent Feedback architecture. This solution handles the signal better, for a more precise performance.
Notable features include five line-level inputs, built-in phono stage for vinyl lovers, and the original Source Direct switch. This allows you to bypass tone and balance controls. The result? The signal path between input and output decreases, for better overall quality.
A particularly recommended (if not mandatory) option in the entry level, it has features peculiar to much more expensive models. Ideal, in short, for low-cost systems, but also for experimenting with more original acoustic speaker configurations.

Marantz HD AMP1, compact and high-performance

Small size should not deceive: HD AMP1 is a particularly powerful stereo amplifier, ideal for rooms of different sizes. 70 W makes it possible to bring quality music even to generously sized studios and living rooms.
Notable features include the ESS Sabre-type DAC module with dual oscillators. Analog inputs are joined by USB ports (one front and one rear), ideal for playing files stored on pen drives or other media. Optical and coaxial inputs broaden the pool of usable devices even further. Finally, the headphone output is dedicated to those who want a more intimate listening experience.
Perfect alternative for when you don't have a lot of space to store your amplifier, this model fits into a high-end mid-range with excellent overall execution.

Marantz PM7000N, unparalleled completeness

If we had to express all the qualities of PM7000N in one word, we could only choose: completeness.
A system that manages to pack a truly enviable range of functions into rather modest dimensions. 60 W of amplification per channel on 8 ohms, DAC, network module allowing access to online streaming services. There is also Bluetooth connection, and integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. The quality of the experience with online services is ensured by the HEOS platform, which is compatible with AirPlay 2.
Prominent among the connections offered are digital alternatives, such as a USB port and optical inputs, as well as four RCA jacks. Outputs are dedicated to headphones, analog devices and subwoofers.
A complete and high-performance proposition, dedicated to music listeners in all its forms.

Marantz PM7000N is available in our online shop: find out more

Prices of the amplifiers Marantz

As specified throughout the article, the devices examinedcover somewhat all price ranges.
We start with the cheapest alternative, PM5005, ideal for entry-level systems. Moving up a little we come to the PM6006, which has advanced features and is perfect for those who want to try to create an ambitious sound system. Advancing a couple of steps up the price scale we come to even better performing alternatives, namely HD AMP1 and PM7000N. Modern devices, rich in options and capable of smoothly handling digital and analog signals. Last, the PM8006 model is confirmed to be the most expensive, and will be adored by turntable lovers as well as digital ones.
In short, each price range offers different alternatives. What is important, before buying, is to set yourself a specific goal and already imagine the kind of system you want to create. Both in terms of money and performance.

And for any other doubts, there are us at Hi-Fi Prestige, always ready to help you experience high fidelity sound at its best!

Cover image reference:
"Marantz 8B Amplifier (High ISO)" by Nokton is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0